9.21.2007
balldudes
i was nervous. i was overjoyed. i was scared at times. fortunately, everything turned out fine and, well, this is the story...
the Giants have "balldudes" instead of ball boys or ball girls. it's a part of their community outreach program to involve "seniors" with the game. it started years ago - there would be 2 balldudes for each game (one down the 1st base line, one down the 3rd base line). ever since the inception of the balldude idea, my dad has wanted to be one. he wrote a letter to a community relations person in the Giants' front office years ago but was told that there was quite a wait to be a balldude, as it was a very popular program. there are lots of regulars - 75 to 80 year old men who go after foul balls, often stumble, but have a great love for the game and really enjoy themselves.
well, a couple of weeks ago my dad received a phone call from a very nice lady, Sue, who works for the Giants and with this program. she offered to have him balldude at last night's game. the plan was for me to be on the field with him, but given the recent surgery, i wasn't able to. Gouda filled in for me on the 1st base line and my dad was on the 3rd base line. they both saw some action - foul balls that they'd pick up and give away to kids nearby.
my dad was grinning from ear to ear the entire day yesterday. and he did great during the game - was able to stay on his feet all right, was warm and alert enough during the game, found good homes for the 3 baseballs he got to give away, and rumor has it he made it onto tv. i'll have to check the recording this weekend.
pictures to come...
oh, and the Giants lost (surprise surprise) but i'd venture to guess that it was the best loss i've ever seen in person. :-)
the Giants have "balldudes" instead of ball boys or ball girls. it's a part of their community outreach program to involve "seniors" with the game. it started years ago - there would be 2 balldudes for each game (one down the 1st base line, one down the 3rd base line). ever since the inception of the balldude idea, my dad has wanted to be one. he wrote a letter to a community relations person in the Giants' front office years ago but was told that there was quite a wait to be a balldude, as it was a very popular program. there are lots of regulars - 75 to 80 year old men who go after foul balls, often stumble, but have a great love for the game and really enjoy themselves.
well, a couple of weeks ago my dad received a phone call from a very nice lady, Sue, who works for the Giants and with this program. she offered to have him balldude at last night's game. the plan was for me to be on the field with him, but given the recent surgery, i wasn't able to. Gouda filled in for me on the 1st base line and my dad was on the 3rd base line. they both saw some action - foul balls that they'd pick up and give away to kids nearby.
my dad was grinning from ear to ear the entire day yesterday. and he did great during the game - was able to stay on his feet all right, was warm and alert enough during the game, found good homes for the 3 baseballs he got to give away, and rumor has it he made it onto tv. i'll have to check the recording this weekend.
pictures to come...
oh, and the Giants lost (surprise surprise) but i'd venture to guess that it was the best loss i've ever seen in person. :-)
# posted by cheddah : 9:11 AM
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Aw, that is so fuhreakin' cute! How great for your dad, and Gouda.
Now I can't stop grinning like an idiot.
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Now I can't stop grinning like an idiot.
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